L3 MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013 | NO. 018

FEBRARY 2013 | L3MAGAZINE.COM

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS OUR FAVORITE VALENTINE’S DAY COUPLE MUSIC CHARTS AND MORE!

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DAWN RICHARD

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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WELCOME

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS IN TORONTO!

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lack History month is the time of year where collectively people of African and Caribbean decent celebrate the accomplishments and expression of the Diaspora.

In Toronto, Music Africa is at the forefront when it comes to hosting these celebrations. As the producers of the long standing and prestigious Afrofest (now in its 25th year, Afrofest is a three day music festival that allows music lovers to hear multiple genres as well as experience dance and culture), Music Africa leads the city in observance of the greatness held within.

Spanning 4 weeks, Music Africa in association Gladstone World and CIUT 89.5 FM presents a series of live concerts.

The weekly events will take place at the Gladstone Hotel on February 1, 8, 15 and 22, beginning at 8 p.m. The series features a diverse selection of top African artists living and working in the city - Discover Africa in Toronto! Each week there will a different line-up of African talent performing live, so get ready for a night of dancing!

Friday Concerts line-up:

February 1 – Donné Roberts * February 8 – Waleed Abdulhamid and Ruth Mathiang* February 15 – Jabulani* February 22 – Njacko Backo* CONTRIBUTED

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Donné Roberts is a passionate and highly skilled guitarist and vocalist with a very unique

sound and style; his songs are mainly in Malagasy his mother tongue from his birthplace of Madagascar. Donné came to wider recognition after he released his first album “Rhythm Was Born” and for his contribution as one of the members of the African Guitar Summit project, which won a JUNO in 2005 and was nominated for another one in 2007. Donné raised and educated in Moscow Russia and now lives in Toronto. In Moscow, he was the first black VJ on MTV Russia. His brand new record INTERNATION was released in 2012. With friends and collaborators, he makes something entirely original and uniquely Canadian that is imbued with a Donné Roberts sound.

Waleed Abdulhamid and Ruth Mathiang are both from Sudan. They sing in Arabic,

Nuer, and Kiswahili. Ruth Mathiang comes from a musical family, where both her parents were musicians in their youth. In Kenya, she performed with local musicians, in styles ranging from traditional music to hip hop. Her dream of having her own CD came true when she immigrated to Canada to attend the University of PEI and in 2002 released her first CD My Cry, Peace, a collection of gospel/peace songs. In 2005-2006, she recorded her second album Butterfly, a mixture of her favourite styles of music, from hip-hop, reggae, afrobeat, to gospel. It received great praise, reviewers invariably noting Mathiang’s soaring voice, her great versatility and her ability to find intimacy even in songs intended for huge crowds. “I believe freedom is in the heart and when we let love in, freedom awaits our invitation. I sing and write about the struggle of the human heart to open and let freedom shine,” she says.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Jabulani: the Zulu word meaning “we are happy.” Jabulani: the name of the band whose music makes

one feel happy. Jabulani, based in Toronto, has been performing their unique brand of World music for eight years in Canada. The band, led by Brian Litvin, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, plays a blend of Township Jive, Zulu Maskande, traditional Zulu music and South African Jazz.

Before coming to Canada, Brian was a successful performer in his native South Africa. Together with his band, Fireflies, and as a solo act, Brian was a well-known entertainer at venues and festivals across the country. He was one of a select few musicians that brought traditional Zulu music to white audiences in the days of apartheid South Africa. He also delighted both black and white audiences, with his blending of indigenous musical styles. After numerous musical collaborations, Brian Litvin has found his nucleus. With the contributions from well known musicians, Mafata Lemphane, from Lesotho, on bass guitar and vocals, the versatile George Morellato on drums and vocals, Mafa Makhubalo from Bloemfontein, South Africa, on percussion and vocals, and Gideon Litvin on guitar, the sound of Jabulani has matured and is now a tight, melodic group who sings in both English and in Zulu.

In addition to enjoying the music, audiences are thrilled by the exciting spectacle of traditional Zulu dance. Jabulani has performed on multiple stages from National Music Festivals to official Consular events. Some highlights of the bands performances include Mariposa Folk Festival 2009, Afrofest 2008, Bana ‘Y Afrique Music Festival 2008 and 2007, the Variety Club International Gala 2009 and the official Canadian party for Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. Jabulani has released an EP entitled Muzi’s Dream and are in the process of completing their second release of more original material. This is true world class, world music at its happiest.

Entertainer, musician, composer, dancer, choreographer, author and educator Njacko Backo shares his uplifting music, energizing dance, and hope-filled stories with audiences of all ages and all walks of life. Njacko was born in Cameroon in 1958 and raised in the hills in a small village called Bazou, which means “The Walkers.” To paint a picture of life in his village, Njacko often points to the movie “The Gods Must Be Crazy” to demonstrate the truly rural and organic nature of his upbringing.

Musically and spiritually Njacko draws on the lessons he learned in Africa from his musical family, mentors and village life. Like most children in his village, Njacko began playing percussion and making instruments at age three. However, with his Grandmother’s assistance, Njacko met with the elders of the village who taught him to play music starting with the hand drum (toumkak), kalimba (thumb piano), and African harp (zaa koua and ngoni).

With adventure in his heart, a mind full of curiosity, and less than the equivalent of $10 in his pocket, Njacko left Cameroon in a canoe bound for Nigeria. He continued his study of contemporary and traditional African music while he travelled in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal, Niger, Mali and eventually arrived in Europe, remaining for the next 11 years.

In Europe, Njacko worked as a dancer, choreographer, bass player and percussionist for several groups, both locally and regionally. During his eleven-year stay in Europe, Njacko performed with several groups including Africa Salimata (creation of Salimata Diabaté of The National Ballet of Guinea), Ernest Cissé, Sosoba, Vinjama, and choreographed for Mioso Mika of Surinam. It was while living in Amsterdam that Njacko began his recording career with his first two albums: Le Destin, a cry for hope; and Bamileké Reggae, which pays homage to his people.

Njacko’s feet first landed on Canadian soil in 1989 when he moved to Montréal with his new family and started working with many African musicians and dancers such as the late Boubacar Diabaté, the Guinean Oumar Diayé and Congolese dancer Zab Maboungo. In 1990 Njacko created his band Kalimba Kalimba to introduce the kalimba to all generations and to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy its sweet soothing sounds. In Montréal, Njacko continued to build his portfolio by recording three more albums with Kalimba Kalimba: Nkoni, Resurrection, and Lode Yeuk.

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After several years of performing in Quebec and abroad, Njacko moved to Toronto in 1998 where he recreated his band Kalimba Kalimba (including long-time members Anne Lederman, Chip Yarwood, and Altaf “Bwana Moto” Vellani, as well as newer members Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo and Paco Luviano). In 1999, Toronto-based Music Africa presented Njacko Backo and Kalimba Kalimba their prestigious Fiati Memorial Award for Best Traditional Performance. Since that time, Njacko has grown his band’s sound to include a world flavour by blending traditional instruments (kalimba, djembe, ngoni) with more modern sounds (bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, accordion, flute, drum kit) and other traditional percussion (bata from Cuba, tabla from India, berimbau from the Bahamas).

Njacko has worked with several well-respected artists including Jane Bunnett, Yaya Diallo, and Ken Whiteley, and has been a guest artist on more than 15 albums. He has appeared at major festivals including The Hillside Festival (Guelph, ON), Sunfest (London, ON), The Montréal Jazz Festival (Montréal, QC), The Louisiana Folk Festival (Lafayette, LA) and The Houston International Jazz Festival. In addition, he has worked on music for films including To Walk with Lions, Born Free, Spirit in the Tree and a documentary on Jane Goodall.

To date, Njacko has independently released nine full-length albums, three drumming instruction CDs, a drumming instruction DVD, and a DVD with nine music videos. The title song of Njacko’s most recent release, the DVD Mama Oh (2008), won Njacko an honourable mention in the World Music category of The 2006 International Songwriting Competition.

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ART BASEL

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FEBR UARY 2013 | NO. 018 CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VP & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

NATASHA VON CASTLE DOMINIQUE RAPHAEL L3 GROUP OF COMPANIES - KEVIN SMALLS PAIGE HARRIS

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR & LIFESTYLE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & MUSIC EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR MUSIC REVIEW EDITOR BEAUTY EDITOR COPY EDITOR SENIOR WRITER CARIBBEAN CORRESPONDENT CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ALLIE MASON TRICIA SPENCE TRE CARN SAIDAH GOMEZ JILL MAHONEY LONDYN NIKOLE XAVIER RAPHAEL STARLEETAH BROWN NATASHA THOMAS HEIKE WOLLENWEBER, MARCUS WELLER, NIYAH MYC, KARLA ASHLEY, ANASTASIA SARADOC, AEYOLA GEORGE, MIMI MAMICHULA, MARCO, ZAKADA MILTON, LANRE DAVIES, KERRY K. TAYLOR, KENDON POLAK, JENNIFER MENSTER INTERNS EDWARD BISHOP, ALICIA KEMP, JONATHAN NEWTON

ART ART DIRECTOR SANDRA HERNANDEZ SENIOR DESIGNER SANCHA DESIGNS ART ASSISTANT JAMALL THOMPSON RETOUCHER JEROME MABINI INTERACTIVE WEB DEVELOPER TENIKA JONES

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CIRCULATION CIRCULATION/MARKETING DIRECTOR RICHARD NEILSON SINGLE COPY SALES MANAGER NIGEL COLLINS

“L3” (ISSIN 1020-2000) is published monthly (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec) by L3 Group of Companies, 123 blank street, Scarborough, ON L1R2H2. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Copyright © 2011. Title “L3” registered CAN Patent and Trademark Office. Printed in Canada. MANUSCRIPTS AND ART: The Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES (CAN) 1-289-217-2800 or l3magazine@hotmail.com. SUBSCRIPTION RATES and Possessions: 14.95 CAD/Year plus applicable taxes. SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS call 1-289-217-2800 or email l3magazine@hotmail.com.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Editorial – February, 2013

Natasha Von Castle

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Last month I shared my excitement about my new blouse and I used it as a metaphor for embracing new people, new things and new experiences.

I balanced that metaphor by saying, when I brought the new blouse in, I removed an old top that had done its time. Update! I now, I have a new closet for my new blouse!

Building on the concept of new, let’s talk about originality and creativity for a minute. Our industry is driven by the use of established fundamentals, and because of that establishment, originality and creativity is sometimes not embraced.

Applying my ‘new’ thoughts to music, Reggae and Dancehall aficionados often say that the new music coming out isn’t good and doesn’t sound like old time music. Those pundits are correct, it doesn’t sound like the old music, but they’re thoughts aren’t balanced as they don’t give credit to the originality and creativity new music brings.

Music produced by Mafia McKoy from Loud Disturbance Records, Jordan McClure from Cashflow Records and Delly Ranx from Pure Music Productions does not sound like what the public is used to hearing and the reason why is because it’s new and original. Instead of remaking a classic Studio One or Treasure Isle riddim, they use originality and creativity and create their own.

For this, they, and all producers like them, deserve an award. No one can tell me that Mafy’s 90’s Bubble Riddim, Cashflow’s Tropical Escapes Riddim and Delly Ranx Microwave Riddim are not all bangers because they are.

In this month’s issue of L3, there is no greater example of a person combining originality and creativity in music than Dawn Richard. Her interview with Portia Clarke hits the concept on the head. Be original, be creative and be you. The world will embrace you and appreciate you more for it though it may be tough in the beginning. Patrice Roberts talks about overcoming the expectations and demands made of her when she was the new kid on the block and Sammi Star shares his experience as the new voice in Reggae coming from the Bahamas. These are three excellent examples of new that we have all come to look forward to.

Seeing that I receive so much feedback and comments from new and upcoming recording artists and producers, don’t be afraid to be you, but, fine tune your ear to know quality new from not so good new and always remember, success is the lone Eagle in the sky!

LIFE

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY C O U P L E S

OUR FAVORITE VALENTINE’S DAY COUPLES

CONTRIBUTED

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY C O U P L E S

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY C O U P L E S

JAY-Z

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Z & BEYONCE

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY C O U P L E S

JAHCURE & KAMILLA

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RITA & BOB MARLEY

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY C O U P L E S

DENZEL & PAULETTA

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TAMI & WAYNE

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY C O U P L E S

NICOLE & BORIS

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TAMIA & GRANT

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY L I S T

VALENTINE’S DAY HOTTT LIST! CONTRIBUTED

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adies! It’s Valentine’s season and that means our bedroom is the focus as Love is in the air! Here are a few things to keep your night HOTTT!

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Candles - there is no better way to set the ambiance of a room than with the lighting created by candles. As the flames cast a glow around the room, so too will your partner glow as the two of you rock and sway in the soft light. This year, try adding the touch of scented candle such as Vanilla or Cinnamon to deepen the effect.

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Roses are nice to receive and nice to give, but a few petals on the bed before foreplay is a great visual and a delicate touch. In addition to red roses, add white and pink to the mix on the floor and on the bed. Each petal will be a symbol of your desire.

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Chocolates are definitely the way to hit all the right spots. Long said to be an aphrodisiac discovered by the Aztecs, this sweet treat will stir the phenylethylamine’s in the brain which is what you want is love is your goal. Looking to enhance the chocolate experience?! Try making your own using store bought molds. Make sure to choose a shape that both you and your lover will enjoy!

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S DAY L I S T

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Baby Oil is one of the simplest things on our list, yet the effect of rubbing your partner down with this soothing oil will reduce them to putty in your hands. Trust us, we know!

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Music! Now that you have the mood right, music is a must. We suggest some Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Patti Labelle, Lou Rawls, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Barry White and more. Get your soundtrack right!

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His and Hers KY Jelly. One of the best inventions is lubrication such as KY Jelly which now comes in variations such as hot and cold to arouse your intimate experience.

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Condoms. Practicing safer sex is a must and Condoms are that must. Whether Durex, Trojan, Magnum or another, make sure you wrap up tight!

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ROCK YOUR ROMANCE

ROCK YOUR ROMANCE WITH

AMMOYE CONTRIBUTED

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mmoye is Canada’s leading Lover’s Rock and multi-genre vocalist! She’s won multiple awards and has performed across Canada, the US and Europe as well as her home country of Jamaica.

For the Month of Love, February, Ammoye gives us her top Love songs and at the end of the list, click the link for the mix! Enjoy!

Ammoye’s Lover’s Rock Anthems: 1. Pick Me Up 2. Baby It’s You 3. Still in Love 4. Radio 5. Stay 6. Sorry 7. Music is Life 8. Lost Love 9. In Love Download the mix HERE http://www.mediafire.com/?byb7d84tbmhntj5

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ROCK YOUR ROMANCE

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Sponsored by:

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BEAUTY MUST HAVES

BEAUTY MUST HAVES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY LEANNA MORENA

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eauty is in the eye, scent, taste, sound, and touch of the beholder. There is more than meets the eye when the other four senses are incorporated into sharing a special moment with a loved one. This upcoming Valentine’s Day use these tips to accentuate your beauty for a memorable experience.

SIGHT

Aesthetics are crucial to creating the ideal look for a first impression date or a long-time lover. Arranging the perfect ambience sets the mood whether you prepare appealing foods for a candlelit dinner or adventure outdoors for a slow romantic walk on the beach. Nature evokes thoughts of love, compassion, and fascination. As you stare into the eyes of your significant other the reflection of the stars and the moon will certainly ignite passion.

SMELL

As the strongest of the five senses, scent helps you recall some of the fondest memories. Flowers, candles, perfumes, and sweet smelling treats enhance the experience to relax the couple so they can enjoy each moment together. Choose your fragrance wisely and use sparingly as over doing any strong smell can result in annoyance for both parties. When utilized correctly, the choice aroma will attract the bee to the target petal for pollination.

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TASTE

Sex sells, no wonder foods such as chocolate, bananas, oysters, and honey are all considered the best aphrodisiacs. The key to making your Valentine’s Day delicious is incorporating treats that are delectable to the eye and tongue. Try arranging a fruit platter with chocolate dipping sauce or enlisting some help on finding edible oils and bedroom toys.

BEAUTY MUST HAVES

TOUCH

Get closer to your Valentine by using distinctive textures to appeal to the touch. Let your hair loose, moisturize your skin, wear sheer or silk undergarments, or change your bedding for utmost comfort. Once you and your playmate are in a warm cozy position the desire to feel your way around becomes an adventure of different sensations the two will be sure to enjoy.

HEARING

The sound of whispering sweet nothings is music to a loved one’s ear. Sometimes the best sounds are made without cognizance of the two music makers. Create your own soundtrack by compiling some of your favorite tracks into a playlist. When the moment is adequate share it with that special someone and listen to their opinion, afterwards break some silence by performing a bedroom duet.

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MOISTURIZER TIPS

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MARKETING

M A R K E T I N G

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MARKETING

BUILDING A TEAM

HOW TO BUILD A PROFESSIONAL MUSIC TEAM

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o you’ve recorded a CD, played some pretty big shows, and are making some noise in your local scene…now what? Do you know how to take your career to the next level?

After a certain point, bands need to start looking at putting together a team to help them get further in the industry. This is where the Artist Professional Team comes in. This is your elite team of industry insiders that are diligently working to get your music and your band out to the public…or at least that’s what they should be doing. It’s important to know the role of each member of your professional team so that you can hire the best person for the job.

RYAN J. COLBURN FOR MUSIC CLOUT.COM

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BUILDING A TEAM

Personal Manager

Probably the most important person working for your band, the personal manager is essentially the quarterback of your band. They’re responsible for coordinating all efforts between the band and your record label, radio promoter, publicist, publisher, booking agent, and business manager and all other music contacts. Your personal manager should be the first member of your team that you choose, and can then help you assemble the rest of your team. The manager will also usually make some business decisions for the band, assist in the creative process, as well as working with your record label. Personal Managers usually take about 15-20% of a band’s gross income.

Business Manager

You may not be able to afford a business manager at first, but the more money you start making, the more likely it is that you’re going to need a business manager. The business manager usually collects royalty checks for the artists, takes care of their bills, and makes sure to properly handle all taxes and investments on behalf of the artist. Business managers are usually CPA’s (Certified Public Accountant – designation for accountant professionals in the United States) and can either take 5% of the artist’s gross income, or work for an hourly rate or flat fee.

Attorney

Probably the most powerful member of your music contacts will be your attorney. The attorney deals on your behalf with all the major power brokers you encounter during the course of your career. Your attorney should be heavily involved in negotiations whenever you sign contracts with publishers, labels, managers, and agent. Many of the most prominent entertainment attorneys are based in New York and Los Angeles, but others have been spreading to cities such as Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Attorneys can either take 5% of any deals they negotiate, or can work for an hourly rate or flat fee.

Booking Agent

Having the right booking agent can make the difference between playing a good show and playing a great show. Agents are responsible for scheduling live performances for artists for either individual dates, or regional and national tours. You want to find a talented agent that has established relationships with many of the big name venues all throughout the country.

Booking agents can sometimes be the most difficult member of your team to secure because you often need to convince them that you are worth their time and effort. Agents usually take 10% of the artist gross for live performances, not including merchandise.

Publicist

The publicist’s job is to obtain media coverage for clients in print, tv, and electronic media. Their responsibilities usually include securing media coverage, mailing/emailing press kits to music writers, communicating with the manager/agent/record label, and hiring hair and makeup teams for TV and magazine shoots. Publicists can get paid anywhere from $1500-$5000 per month and usually begin work several months before major releases and announcements.

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MISS FEBRUARY 2013

DAWN RICHARD Photo: CONTRIBUTED

LOVE ADVICE

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DJs WE LOVE TO HEAR SPIN AND YOUR EARDRUMS WILL FALL IN LOVE TOO! OLIVA LEWIS

DJ KAOTIC - THE SOCA SPECIALIST It is Carnival time so our attention is on all things Soca! Who better to profile on the world map than Kaotic, the Soca specialist from Trinidad and Tobago!

Born and raised in Tobago, the idyllic sister isle of Trinidad, the mecca of Soca music and the Caribbean’s business hub, DJ Kaotic began his trod in the entertainment industry at the age of sixteen. Apprenticing with the biggest sound system on the island at that time, he began to gather all skills required to make him one of the most versatile DJ’s in the country.

After two years in the business, Kaotic became noticed by professionals outside of Trinidad & Tobago. At that junction, DJ Kaotic made the decision to rebrand his name and adopt the title; Kaotic International.

In 2000, he was invited to be part of CO2 Productions, which included DJ Tony Tempo from Atlanta and DJ Slick from the UK. 2010 saw Kaotic International signed to “Warrior DJ Coalition,” which was founded by international recording artiste, Wyclef Jean. He was the first signee from the Caribbean to be inducted into the DJ Group.

In 2011, Kaotic International also joined Toronto’s Gemstone International which houses DJ’s from New York, Miami as well as Toronto, and now Trinidad & Tobago.

Expanding to radio, Kaotic can be heard on Vibe 105.1 FM in Connecticut every Friday from 9pm EST and Saturdays 2pm EST. His show, Extreme All Soca Weekend is one of the hottest Soca shows and is also one of the top Soca shows within Trinidad & Tobago.

Currently, Kaotic is managed by We Limin Promotions!

Connect with the DJ through his networks >>> @KaoticIntl Facebook/KaoticInternational | www.djkaoticinternational.podomatic.com

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D I G I TA L D OW N L OA D S

DOWNLOAD

L3’S

1

KING ALI BABA FT. OCTAYNE

8

CHAM

9

“Superstar”

2 3

4 5

6

7

50

“Stripper Pose”

CHAM

“Lawless”

KONSHENS

“Ah So Mih Tan”

10 11

“This Morning”

JESSE ROYAL

JAH CURE 15 “Thank You”

SHABBA RANKS

16

“Who Win The War”

EVII FT. NATEL

“Around the World”

BUSY SIGNAL

“Come Shock Out”

ALISON HINDS

12

“Sweetest Thing”

MORGAN HERITAGE

13

“Can I Have You”

14

“Don’t Give Up”

“Baddy”

“The Girl is Mine”

MICHIE MEE

“Bad Gyal Bubble” (New Entry)

CALI P

FAZE FT. PATRICE

“The Time is Now”

JLOGIX FT. FIRE LION 17 “Party Hard” PATEXX 18 “Wine n Go Dung” KONSHENS 19 “Stop Sign” (New Entry) TARRUS RILEY 20 “Gimme Likkle

BUGLE

Charts are based on the most active DJ downloads via the L3 Music Distribution service.

L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 3

IBA MAHR FT. JAH MALI

One Drop” (New Entry)

SOCARIFIC SELECTIONS

AMERICIAN TOP 10

RHYTHM INTERNATIONAL’S MC FIRE KYLE TOP 10 SOCA Compiled by Rhythm International’s MC Fire Kyle

1

MACHEL MONTANO HD

2

KES & KERWIN DUBOIS

3

MACHEL MONTANO HD

4

MACHEL MONTANO HD

5

BUNJI GARLIN

“THE FOG” “DISGUSTIN” “WITCH DOCTOR”

“SHE READY”

“DIFFERENTOLOGY”

6

FAY-ANN LYONS

7

KERWIN DUBOIS

8

DESTRA

9

BENJAI

10

T-ROCK

“DE STAGE OPEN” “WETTIN” “CALL MY NAME”

“FETER”

“HIT & RUN”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIRE.KYLE Twitter: http://twitter.com/mcfirekyle L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 3

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CANADIAN SOCA

TOP 10 CHARTS 52

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TOP 10 SOCA MUSIC CHART Compiled by Soca Sweetness

1

BUNJI GARLIN

2

MACHEL MONTANO

3

DESTRA

4

BLAXX

5

FARMER NAPPY

6

PATRICE ROBERTS

7

NADIA BATSON

8

KERWIN DUBOIS

9

SKINNY FABULOUS

10

“DIFFERENTOLOGY”

“NO LIE” “CALL MY NAME” “LEH GO” “DRUNK” (PARADISE RIDDIM)

“BUBBLE”

“MANAGER”

“BACKAZZ”

“MONSTER”

SWAPPI “CHA-OS”

TOP 20 CHARTS

CANADIAN

12

FYAH LION “BAZZLE AND I KNOW IT”

13

SAMPLE KING

14

CHUCKLEBERRY

15

SHALLI FT. TIWONY

16

BELINDA BRADY

17

EYESUS

“BABY IT’S YOU”

18

FAZE

DG 10 TERMINAL “PURE CHAT”

19

G. MAFFIAH

11 STEELE “SHE BELIEVES IN ME”

20

TASHA T

DJ RON NELSON’S TOP 20 CANADIAN CHARTS Compiled by DJ Ron Nelson

6

STEELE

7

NKRUMAH KAISHA LEE AMMOYE

1

MICHIE MEE

2

TERMINAL DG “GLASSES DARK”

8

3

FATHER PRICE FT. EYESUS & FYAH LION

9

“BAD GYAL BUBBLE”

“HANGING ON”

“REGGAE MY-LYTIS” “CLEAN HEART ORDER”

“AM TWINKLING”

4

EXCO LEVI

5

AMMOYE

“DUTCHIE WAAN FOOD”

“RADIO”

“JAM DUNG GANGNAM STYLE” “WINE GAL” OLD SKOOL MEDLY

“I FLY”

“FOUND THE ONE”

“GOOD FRIEND”

“INNA CHURCH”

“MIH WAH YUH LOVE”

“INNA DI JUNGLE”

The above top 20 songs from Canadian artists are based on polls from Radio DJ’s playing Reggae and Dancehall across Canada.

RICO VIBE’S TOP 10 VIDEO PICKS FOR

TOP 10 CHARTS

FEBRUARY

Compiled by Rico Vibes

54

1

BUSY SIGNAL

2

ALISON HINDS

3

PROTOJE

4

TARRUS RILEY

5

KONSHENS FT, DARRIO

L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2012

“REGGAE MUSIC AGAIN” “FALUMA MAKELELE” “KINGSTON BE WISE” “SORRY IS A SORRY WORD” “GYAL SIDDUNG”

6

ELEPHANT MAN FT. KHAGO

7

POPCAAN

8

KAYLA BLISS

9

AMMOYE

10

“SLAP WEH” “GIRLS MEDLEY” “LITERAL LOVE” “RADIO”

TIFA FT. SPICE “WHY YOU MAD” TIFA FT. SPICE “WHY YOU MAD”

RIDDIM SELLERS

TOP

HOTTT DANCEHALL RIDDIM SELLERS IN CANADA Compiled by Jah Chozen from TreaJah Isle Rcords and Tapes

1

BIRCHILL RECORDS

2

DJ SMURF MUSIC

3

ZJ CHROME

4

DIGENIUS RECORDS

5

SMOKESHOP PRODUCTIONS

THE KING RIDDIM RADIO ACTIVE RIDDIM WILD BUBBLE RIDDIM FACE OFF RIDDIM MADD RASS RIDDIM

HOTTT REGGAE RIDDIM SELLERS IN CANADA

1

HEAVY BEAT RECORDS

2

DIGENIUS RECORDS

3

KIRKLEDOVE RECORDS

4

FAT EYES

5

BAMBINO MUSIK & JUSBUS NATION

WALL STREET RIDDIM MOVING RIDDIM GOOD THINGS RIDDIM SHANK I TUN UP RIDDIM

GYAL SEASON RIDDIM

RICO VIBE’S TOP 10 VIDEO PICKS FOR

TOP 10 CHARTS

FEBRUARY

Compiled by Rico Vibes

56

1

BUSY SIGNAL

2

ALISON HINDS

3

PROTOJE

4

TARRUS RILEY

5

KONSHENS FT, DARRIO

L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2012

“REGGAE MUSIC AGAIN” “FALUMA MAKELELE” “KINGSTON BE WISE” “SORRY IS A SORRY WORD” “GYAL SIDDUNG”

6

ELEPHANT MAN FT. KHAGO

7

POPCAAN

8

KAYLA BLISS

9

AMMOYE

10

“SLAP WEH” “GIRLS MEDLEY” “LITERAL LOVE” “RADIO”

TIFA FT. SPICE “WHY YOU MAD” TIFA FT. SPICE “WHY YOU MAD”

NEW RELEASES

MARCIA GRIFFITHS

U-ROY

21ST HAPILOS

ZJ SPARKS

CHIMNEY ROCORDS

ANUHEA FT. TARRUS RILEY

LL COOL J FT. JOE

Intercol Riddim

Maricia Griffiths & Friends

Full Throttle Soca 2013

Take It

Pray Fi Di People

Tropical Escape Riddim

Corner Shop Riddim

Only Man In The World

LOVE

MUSIC REVIEW

JESSE ROYAL

LIGHT LIKE A FEATHER

I

t’s hard not to get excited about any release from Jesse Royal, worse when he teams with Crash Dummy Music. The collaboration between these two; one a vocal and lyrical master on the rise, the other a musical genius who balances the right chords with the right melodies means we, the music fans receive a classic piece that is secured in the history books of Reggae.

“Light Like a Feather” is the newest release from Jesse and Crash and it is an instant classic.

So classic is this piece, it’s one that we are sure the legend himself, Bob Marley would appreciate and give a ‘fawud’ (a stamp of approval) to.

Breaking down the components in this piece, it is important to not be mislead by the title. Though simplistic, the song actually talks about the strength of the people, especially when Jesse sings “light like a feather but we’re heavy / humble like a lamb but ever ready” which in other words means, ‘we’re taking it easy, but if you cross the line, it will be war!’

In a time where music has become the anthem and soundtrack of our lives, this song hits all the right notes!

L3’s rating 4.6 out of 5!

P.S. Complimentary download link: http://www.mediafire.com/?4mp5xte88t445ev

CONTRIBUTED

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NICKIESHA BARNES WOUNDED IN LOVE

W

e first brought you an overview of Nickieshia Barnes in the January issue of L3. We talked about where she came from (humble beginnings) and the journey she took to get to this point in her career (music competitions etc).

This month we’re back to talk about her brand new EP that has just been released called ‘Wounded in Love.’

The 7 track mini album gets straight to the point in establishing Nickieshia’s vocal style. Opening with an Acapella, Nickieshia explains that a boy has stolen her heart and therefore wounded in Love. The twist is that she’s not complaining about the wound, she actually loves it!

Showcasing her style in the Lover’s Rock genre, “I Cry No No No” is a sure shot, and her hint at R&B dexterity is evident in the song “Suffocating.”

For fans getting to know Nickieshia and her style, Wounded in Love is the perfect introduction. For fans who are familiar with the singles she’s released, this EP is reassurance that this is a star in the making who has a secure place in the galaxy!

L3’s rating is 4.0 out of 5

CONTRIBUTED

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MUSIC REVIEWS

JIMMY CLIFF REBIRTH

T

echnically speaking, Rebirth is not a ‘new’ album. It was released July, 2012, but we’re just getting the album now so it’s new to us, and it’s phenomenal. So phenomenal, it’s worth talking about even 7 months after its release.

We first heard Mr. Cliff perform live at the 9th annual Montreal International Reggae Festival and in one word it was amazing. With the rich history of Cliff, including the notable producers he’s worked with over the years, not to mention his incredible musical contribution to the Reggae fabric, it’s not normal to ‘wonder’ what this icon’s new album would sound like. Instead it’s normal to be filled with proud emotion as our Order of Merit holder captures the sound and feel we grew up with in the album ‘The Harder They Come.’

Sonically, Tim Armstrong, the albums producer, accomplishes the almost impossible task of re-creating the sound, the vibe, the energy and the aura of the music that made a statement in the 1970’s. Songs like “Cry No More” and “Reggae Music” captures that perfect energy and alone will make you keep the album on repeat.

“Blessed Love” too is a crucial song as it breaks down the reason why we should greet each other with this salutation. Cliff sings “bless up with this greeting / blessed love / bless up every meeting / blessed love,” the salutation sets the tone for our interaction(s) and puts us in one accord for the positive.

Our favourite song on the album is the remake of The Clash classic “Guns of Brixton.” Using a heavy pulsating bass line to drive the song forward, Cliff sings for those whose backs are against the wall, and for those who are in pursuit of the same. Cliff makes this song his own (without disrespect to the songs originators).

Jimmy Cliff’s Rebirth is as much for you as it is for us as it is for the ongoing history of Reggae. Cliff does it again with style and grace and a command musical pronunciation.

L3’s rating is 5 stars out of 5 @THEJIMMYCLIFF

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MUSIC REVIEWS

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LOVE ADVICE

2-Lined Music Hut Malvern Town Centre 31 Tapscott Road 416-264-3999

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LOVE ADVICE

L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2012

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EXPLORING

SEALY TROH

CONTRIBUTED

S

ealy Troh is exactly what hip-hop wants! This Sly and The Family Stone influenced systematic flow is sure to entice a groove.

There may be numerous young artists hoping to make a name in the genre of Hip-Hop, but few deliver with the deliberative flow, and youthful, emotive angst as presented in the original lyrics of Eric Trotman—working under the pseudonym of Sealy Troh.

Born to Barbadian working class parents in the suburbs of Southern California’s Antelope Valley, he combined his grandfather’s surname, Sealy, with his nickname, Troh, which is short for Trotman.

“It’s like I’ve become a different person when I perform,” says Troh, who’s performed a dozen or so local shows around town. “I experience a rush when I’m on stage, my adrenaline peaks and I practically take on another persona. The audience—even when it’s their first time hearing my music—feel it, too.”

Troh’s music is an eclectic culmination of every scene he’s ever been in or listened to. He is a fan of artists like Daft Punk, People Under the Stairs, Kendrick Lamar, Atmosphere, and A Tribe Called Quest. “I’m influenced by Ska, Hardcore, Punk, Metal and Hip-Hop,” he says. “Like those styles, those genres, I’m drawn to lyrics where there are messages about living your life, living your dreams and being free.”

A student at California State University, Northridge, Troh wanted to do something that “solely depended on me,” he says. “Rapping is a do it yourself genre. If your lines or lyrics are weak, then that’s on you. I wanted something that made me responsible for who I am – where I could rely mainly on myself to show up.”

The outcome has been a growing number of compositions, written, co-produced and performed by Troh.

Viewers can watch his debut video, “Another Day” on You Tube. Shot in around the Antelope Valley, the clip was directed by Ben Steen and Evan Sullivan, two of Troh’s high school friends who’ve gone on to be media majors. With a hook that exclaims, “Another Day and I’m on my Grind/Another Day Another Dollar on My Mind,” the song was produced by Tony Deniro and David Gielan; and mixed by Bernie K. Sealy Troh’s mixtape “Yellow Lights” is coming out at the top of 2013. Sealy Troh is working with platinum Producer Ralph B Stacy aka Black Phantom. In the meantime fans looking for more will identify with the psychedelic-influenced “Yesterday” and the dark and hollow production of “All I Know.” In “Yesterday,” Troh attests, “No time for the blue/Please mix it with the yellow,” I’m trying to get green, he says. The underlying theme in many of his songs is about struggle, hustle and dream chasing. Certainly his young audience will identify with those messages.

“I’m in a great place,” says Troh. “I’m chasing my dreams and doing what I love. Seeing everything around me, I want to take people places they want to go. Music has been opening up lots of opportunities for me. I want my friends and family to benefit from those opportunities, too. That’s what drives me!

Connect with Troh on Twitter >>> @SealyTroh L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 3

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GHETTO YOUTHS INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS

BLACK AM I

O

CONTRIBUTED

ne of the newest recruits to the Ghetto Youths International ranks, is the culturally inclined Reggae sing-jay Black Am I. Already distinguishing himself as a powerful voice of Jamaican music’s next generation, Black Am I is ambitious, talented and most importantly, moves with integrity.

In this time, when some of the most fundamental tenets of Reggae culture seem to have fallen by the wayside, Black Am I replenishes the great traditions of self-determination, equal rights, and celebration of one’s African identity through hard-hitting yet conscious lyrics.

Backed by fresh sounds that blend classical Roots Reggae with contemporary Dancehall energy, the young artist is poised to spark a revolution in the minds and hearts of music lovers worldwide.

Born in the rural village of Nine Mile, situated in the hills of the Jamaican parish of St. Ann, Black Am I knew that he was blessed with the gift of music. “Growing up in Nine Mile Reggae was a part of me,” Black Am I explains. His father chose to call him I-Nesta, out of respect for Nine Mile’s most famous son, Robert Nesta Marley. Sometimes a name carries the seeds of destiny—in keeping with the Rastafarian concept of word, sound, and power—so it came as no surprise somehow when Black Am I was inspired to sing.

“Music we say,” Black Am I affirms. “I love the thing for a long time. I just want to see it reach to a level.” But the level he’s aiming for isn’t just the usual “next level” cliché of searching for any form of success by any means necessary. Instead, Black Am I holds himself to a higher standard. “I feel like I’m responsible to bring back Roots Reggae,” the young singer says without hesitation. “Cause the thing get watered down.”

Long before he had access to a recording studio, Black Am I began writing his own songs. ‘Right now all I need is a producer,’ he told himself. So when Damian “Junior Gong” Marley was visiting Nine Mile one day, he recognized the opportunity. “I approach him and say, ‘I am the artist in the place y’know,’” Black Am I recalls. Always willing and able to support fresh talent, Junior Gong asked him to sing something.

“The first time I met up with Black Am I in Nine Mile,” Junior Gong says with a smile, “I told him that he needed some more practice.” But Black Am was far from discouraged, quite the contrary. “I was never disappointed,” he says, “cause practice is perfection. So I just went for it.”

Rising to meet the challenge, Black Am I diligently put in the required work, and made sure he was ready the next time Junior Gong visited Nine Mile. The occasion happened to be a celebration of the Ethopian Christmas on the 7th of January. “Gong was in the place again, and a celebration was in the air,” Black Am I remembers. “After the gathering he was walking back to his father’s place. And I just started to sing.”

The memory remains fresh for Damian Marley. “He just came up beside me and started sing: If you don’t wanna be misled, I tell you Ras up and come. He did this whole tune and I said, Wait! Who’s this?”

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Something about the voice seemed familiar but he couldn’t quite place it. That’s when Black Am I reminded him. “You don’t remember me? The same one you meet a year ago—you told me to practice.” Impressed by the youth’s talent, Junior Gong invited him to a formal audition at Tuff Gong studios in Kingston.

“I did not even know Tuff Gong at that time,” recalls the singer, who was then still known as Nesta. “I came to Hope Road to the demo studio. Some tracks were playing and we voiced on them.” That initial session would prove to be fateful for more reasons than one.

Since that time, the artist formerly known as I-Nesta has come to appreciate the significance of his powerful new name, his consciousness expanding to fulfill the potential implied by the title. “Being Black Am I, now I just represent for ‘I and I’ roots and culture.” We are African—there’s no denying that. So that is why we have to just accept our name and say: This is the job we’ve got to do. Nothing has changed. Rastafari come from the root; Africa. The Lion of Judah shall never break him promise.”

Junior Gong has invested significant time and effort on artist development, and has noticed a rapid evolution of the young singer. “When we start work with Black Am I, it was just really natural talent and love of music coming through,” he says. “Since that time, he’s started to get more calculated.”

“With Damian Marley I become a workaholic,” says the artist, who has put down tracks like “Dwelling,” “People Kill People” on King Jammy’s General Riddim and the thoughtprovoking “Modern Day Freedom,” which raises timely questions about life within a 21st century system of economic dependency.

Moving forward Black Am I continues to record and tour with Ghetto Youths International, moving toward his goal of being a voice for the voiceless. “Who have ears to hear, let them hear,” he says. “I do music from my heart. I express myself in a way that I feel like the world want to express themselves. Because,” he says, closing with a line from the book of Marley, “there are so much things to say right now.”

Connect with the artist on Twitter >>> @RealBlackAmme L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 3

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GETTING TO KNOW

LAWGIVER

F

rom the community of East Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada, Kirsten Olivia is adding her voice to the urban music scene; offering a fresh new vibe!

Born, Oneil Phoenix, Lawgiver (formerly known as Dyce di Lawgiver) is one of six siblings.

Living in Islington, St. Mary allowed the budding artist to pursue music, and one of his first experiences was performing on his uncle’s sound called Tidal Wave sound system which boasted such artists as Capleton and Mad Cobra.

His experiences in St. Mary helped to develop his rich culture, his distinct voice and musical background which prepared him to pursue his dream in Kingston. One of the first studios to embrace his talent is Mixing Lab where the young artist met and was influenced by Bounty Killer. He also met the living legends Sly & Robbie.

Early successes include the singles “Vibes” on the Tune in Riddim and “Oneness” on the General Riddim. Both singles are in Sly & Robbies Taxi label. In addition to Taxi, the artist has recorded for Fat Eyes Productions as well as Bounty Killers Scare Dem Record label.

Currently signed to Macten Records, the artist continues to record music for Reggae and Dancehall fans globally.

Some of his latest releases are “Nuh Greedy” which features Spanky and “Nuh Touch It” on the Chillum Riddim.

CONTRIBUTED

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REGGAE ALTERNATIVE

KING CHARLTON

K

ing Charlton’s firebrand has emerged as one of the profound voices of the Reggae alternative. Charlton McLaughlin an American born from Queens New York of Jamaican parentage embraces his Jamaican culture; so Reggae music is no stranger to him.

Going viral through digital media (Youtube) his underground music releases escalated his popularity. His sound quality and lyrical content makes him unique.

He fused his two passions of being an artiste and being a producer to help develop his sound.

Mentored by one of Jamaica’s greatest producers, Tony “CD” Kelly alongside hip-hop producer, Develop King Charlton is finding his niche.

Mastering his craft, the artist has been performing across the US and continues to spread his uplifting and motivational message through music. A recent accolade received was winning 1st place at the iStandard Producers Showcase.

King Charlton is a double edge sword; bringing a refreshing, fierce and melodic vibe to the world. He tells stories of real life situations and lessons learned. Currently, the artist is working with Jamaica’s Mavrick Records and Producer Don Jalys from France. One of their first releases is a single called “Perpetual Love” on the Karukera Riddim.

CONTRIBUTED

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L Y R I C S

PR AH LITTLE WINE WITH

PATRICE ROBERTS TRICIA ‘ZJ SPARKS’ SPENCE

C

onsistently, Patrice Roberts has been taking the stage and entertaining Soca fans in countries far and wide. Rising to prominence because of her work with Machel Montano, Patrice, in her own right, is a power house; just ask the producers she’s worked with which include Precision Productions, Kerwin Dubois and London Future. If that’s not enough, ask the thousands of fans who adore her and stick to YouTube like glue for her latest songs!

Blessed with looks, body and voice, Patrice doesn’t take her Soca settings for granted. Just like artists who are serious about their craft, she practices, rehearses and constantly strives to take her music to a higher level. This Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago, and the world which is her playground, Patrice offers ‘a little wine!’

TS: 2005 you made the break with Machel and his band, how did you make the link with Machel?

PR: Kernal Roberts introduced me to Machel Montano who gave me the opportunity to join the band.

I knew Kernal for a number of years when I used to sing Calypso, before I started with Soca. Everywhere Kernal went he took me with him. Machel believed in my talent and worked with me; he taught me a lot and joining the band was indeed a blessing.

When you got in with HD, how was it different from what you had imagined?

I really thought that it was easy, not just with HD but generally. I thought it was just about grabbing a microphone and running on stage and I got a rude awakening. I didn’t know how much work it took because I was a rookie, I was sheltered and I was a country girl who was seeing the bright lights very quickly. All of a sudden there were expectations, there were people looking at my every move but I have grown and I have learned.

Since The Islands you have made some good strides, you were named youngest Female Road March Winner with your collaboration with Machel on Band of the Year, did you feel any pressure at that point?

The pressure came before the win. It began when we were recording. Machel is a perfectionist and getting it right took me a while. Then there was the pressure to perform the track, standing alongside a legend like Machel Montano and having to match his energy and still own the stage and hold my own was difficult. The song was so popular and the fans and partygoers wanted a lot, they expected so much from me and I wasn’t mature as a performer as yet.

When we won the title people were hard on me, telling me that they expect more, but at the same time many thought I was not capable of achieving anything great again. The pressure was there and I had to find ways to deal with it, I had to soak everything in and put on my game face and do my best. I wanted to prove the critics wrong and I wanted to grow quickly.

I saw you in performance in Jamaica and your performance was very pulsating and very energetic; while I know some of it is natural, you must workout out, do you?

“I REALLY THOUGHT IT WAS EASY...I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ABOUT GRABBING A MICROPHONE AND RUNNING ON STAGE AND I GOT A RUDE AWAKENING. I DIDN’T KNOW HOW MUCH WORK IT TOOK...”

I definitely work out and I enjoy every moment of it.

What is a physical regimen like for a Soca star like yourself and what do you typically eat on and off season.

I am a gym-a-holic so I train really hard; I do light cardio, resistance training and weights. I am very dedicated and my trainer would probably attest to that fact; the more I train the better I feel whether there is pain involved or not. As far as eating goes, I love to eat but I always try to be conscious of what I am eating at all times, not too much rice or flour, not too many snacks, although I cheat at times. There is no on and off season eating or training with me, everything is set one way all the time.

Your beauty is rather unique, has any modeling agency approached you or designers to model their line?

Thank you for the compliment, I honestly think that people are only now seeing me as a woman, as beautiful and as someone who can be considered as model material. It took me some time to be comfortable in my own skin and maybe that contributed to people not looking at me as a model. For a long time many looked at as a “child” since I was very young and sheltered when I joined the band.

Recently during my visit to New York City, I was approached by two agents who expressed their interest in me modeling. Perhaps modeling is something I may consider but I have not given it serious thought yet since my major focus is singing and performing.

What’s a typical day like for you and do you stick to voicing on solely Soca riddims?

Typically it consists of going to the gym, studio, writing, planning and resting when I can. I am about music, Soca is my love but I am open to exploring other genres once I am comfortable with what I am singing, like recently when I recorded and released a Reggae track.

Who are some of the members in your camp?

My team comprises of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, ace songwriter; producer Kernal Roberts and the HD family (and band), my publicist Adanna, my stylist Ivanna and my Manager and DJ, Titan VCD.

Do you write all your songs?

I write some but not all. Most of my songs are written by a number of talented songwriters. When it is brought to me there may be some lines or phrases that I may be uncomfortable with and I would sit and work with them to have those parts changed. I have worked with songwriters such as Problem Child, Mista Vybe, Sherrif, Shaft, Kernal Roberts and Ricardo Drue to name a few.

How long does it take to write your songs?

The writing process varies, sometimes I can write a song in a day and other times the melody may come and I cannot find the words. Sometimes I may have an idea and the words may not flow right away. My environment and mood helps influence the songs that I write.

What has been your most memorable performance to date and your most embarrassing moment?

My most memorable experience would be travelling and performing in Europe in 2011 and 2012. It was amazing to see so many non-Caribbean natives present during the shows and the response and reaction to our music was quite moving. It truly proves that music is a universal language despite differing cultures and races. Many of them may not have known much about our culture, music and people but the music spoke to them nonetheless.

I haven’t had any embarrassing moments recently, thank goodness but while answering this question I can’t help but think back to my younger days when I used to do Meringue dancing. My brother and I entered a competition in the village that I grew up in and we won. We were having a family day after and my brother and I wanted to show off to the family. While dancing my brother had to drop me pretty low and I had a weave in my hair that was in a one-do, the weave fell out and ended up on the ground. Haha!

Everyone including family, friends and strangers could not stop laughing it was very funny yet embarrassing.

What can we expect from you for Carnival 2013?!

For Carnival 2013 everyone can expect the best of me; performing and looking the best. I am going to give all I can and push myself to the limit, my performances will be high energy and my wardrobe will be unique and stylish at all times. I really just want everyone to enjoy my music and enjoy looking at me on stage as well. I have a number of music videos to release during the season and my album is also scheduled to be released during the season also!

What do you have to tell the readers of L3 Magazine?

I want to say thank you firstly to L3 Magazine for this feature, I appreciate it and thank you to everyone who took time out to read this. I really just want to let everyone know that I am appreciative of all the support. I try to be as interactive as possible with my fans so for those who would like to remain up to date with everything Patrice Roberts I am asking that you follow me on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to my YouTube channel. I also want to add that my music is for my fans and I want everyone to know this!

Connect with Patrice on Twitter >>> @PatriceRMusic

PR PETER RUNKS

#1 BAHAMIAN REGGAE EXPORT HEIKE DEMPSTER

HD: You are one of the most successful Reggae artistes in the Bahamas.

Share some of your career highlights with us!

I thank God for allowing me this gift and for the opportunity to share it with others. I always wanted to be a reggae artist, since I was a child. I used to spend many hours just listening to reggae music and watching videos of reggae artists performing. When I was in fourth grade at Stephen Dillet Primary School, we had a talent show called “I Am Special� and I did a rap and it was awesome! My fans chased me all the way home (he laughs as he relives the memory). From then I knew this was what I wanted to do. To be a successful artist you have to be passionate, driven and motivated. These are some of the qualities that got me where I am. I am determined to make it. Recording my first album was a dream come true. My label, Divine Vessel, took me on my first international tour and coming from the Bahamas that was a great feeling.

So that was a definite highlight, how did you get started in this business?

A few of my good friends had a sound system called Culture Shock Reality Music. Myself along with a few other artists would spend most weekends there checking out the latest music and riddims and we would also record live tapes. One of the artists there was Spy from Christian Massive. He was a big artist on the musical scene and he took me under his wing and entered me into a talent show at a church here in the Bahamas. When I hit the stage I had the crowd rocking but I just froze and left the stage. I came back the following year though and won it! I always knew this would not be easy but I was up for the task.

For those who don’t know, what is the music scene like in the Bahamas?

The music scene here in the Bahamas is a wonderful experience with rake’ n’ scrape music being at the forefront. It represents our people, mood and culture. Our one of a kind Junkanoo music with goat skin drums and cowbells thumping and ringing away has this unique riddim that has our people rocking and dancing. We attract tourists from all over who come here to join us and share this experience with us.

Why did you choose reggae as your genre rather than a Bahamian genre?

Reggae music is the beat of my heart. I think as an artist you have to know your strong point and what you are good at, and stick to that. I have a great appreciation for rake’n’ scrape music and I remember back in the day I used to DJ at parties and I would always go and purchase the latest rake’ n’ scrape to play in my selection of songs, I chose reggae also because I am a conscious person so when I am writing a song for a roots riddim (for an example), I can search the calm regions of my soul and just flow about life. This is what I was born to do. Whenever I go to the studio and hear a track for the first time I am like a pregnant woman in travail ready to give birth to a song.

Your single “Badness Outta Style” did very well in the Caribbean and internationally. What inspired the song, which is as relevant today as it was a few years ago?

I took a break from music for awhile to start my family and “Badness Outta Style” was my second release after the break. I had linked up with a local producer, Ray from Buff Boo Records. When he sent the riddim to me I wrote a lover’s rock tune for the riddim but when I went to record it, somehow I just was not feeling it so I stopped and I remember the local news was on and they were talking about the recent murders, so I sat there for about ten minutes and it just came to me. I told him to play the track and from the intro we knew it would be a hit. The vibe was just right when it was released, and it just took off. It was a street anthem. I also did a show here with reggae artist Gyptian and when I sang the intro the crowd went crazy! That song gave me the push I needed. Based on the feedback and great response I got from “Badness Outta Style” I knew it was time to drop my next album which was “Words of Truth.”

Your new single is called “Real Recognize Real.” What’s the story behind the song?

Wow! This song is a true story. I had a friend for ten years or more and we used to switch rides and travel.

If we had to borrow money or lend to each other it was not a problem. I really thought it was a friend for life but in the end I was wrong. I thought about it a lot over the years because I could not understand how a person could pretend for so long. Last year I got some riddims from Sam Gilly of House of Riddims, an international producer. When I heard the Chal Wa Riddim I knew it was time to deal with this issue.

“Real Recognize Real” is about never really losing friends, we just see who the true ones are. Since this song was released I’ve been getting some great feedback as well, because the truth is, as long as you are true others will receive you this way and when you’re a pretender they will receive you just the same.

You are currently recording in Nassau, Bahamas. Who are some of the people you work with?

Yes I do most of my recordings here in Nassau because this is home and this is where my record label Divine Vessel Music is based. I have worked with local producers such as Ray from Buff Boo, Charlie Brown and Zoltan from Stypez, just to name a few. I did a collaboration with local artist Yagga Yo as well

l as collaborations with artists Jah Nyne, Avalanchee, Landlord, Mikey General and for one of my latest releases, “Brother’s Keeper” on the Stand Tall Riddim, I worked with another one of our talented artists and producers, Irate. I did this song for his record label Rising Sun Records.

I also worked with Irie Vibrations Records and producer David Getto from Judgment Yard in Kingston, Jamaica and Pow Pow Records from Germany.

Have you ever considered to record more in Jamaica, the US or Canada?

I have recorded a few tracks in Jamaica already but another one of my dreams would be to work with Bobby Digital, a well known producer from yard. I would like to voice some tunes for him or another great producer there, Don Corleon. 2013 already got off to a great start because recently I completed a collaboration in the US which will be released soon and hopefully I will get to work in Canada soon as well.

Are you working on a new album? If you are, please tell us more!

Yes, I am working on the new album now. I actually have already completed most of the tracks for the new album and released three singles so far from the upcoming album which are “Fathers Take Care of Your Children,” “Brother’s Keeper” and “Real Recognize Real” to give my fans a sneak preview of what’s to come!

You mentioned 2013 is off to a good start. What else are you planning for the year?

2013 is going to be a great year (he says with excitement)! One of my goals this year is to help mentor and work with two upcoming artists which I already started and one of them will release a song shortly. I am also preparing a song to release for Valentine’s Day, then drop the new album and tour the world!

So we will be seeing more Peter Runks on international stages?!

With the kind of feedback we have been getting, yes the world will be seeing more of me! I think the difference this time around is now we have the right people in place, the right team, who is eager and ready to take it to the next level.

Bahamas is vast as it has several islands! Have you been to every island in the Bahamas and do you have a favorite?

No I have not been to all of the family islands yet but am getting close.

Wow, it’s kind of hard to just choose one for a favorite because each island that I visited so far had its own unique vibe that I fell in love with.

It is peaceful and the island experience is awesome!

What travel tips would you give someone who wants to travel to the Bahamas?

I would tell them to come and enjoy our culture, food and wonderful people, dance to our riddims and experience what we are about and create a bond for a lifetime.

If you could perform anywhere, where would you perform? Also, where would you love to visit and why?

I definitely want to travel to Paris and I would like to perform in places such as in the UK and in Japan and other parts of the world. Anywhere the people love reggae music! I want to travel and spread this message of peace and love.

As we come to the end of the interview, is there any news you would like to share with us?

I would like to say thanks to all those fans who have supported the works over the years and continue to do so. To upcoming artists, I want to say never give up on your dreams, go after them and always remember hard work pays off and each of us have the ability to create wealth, but it will only come through ideas and creation. I also want to say thank you to the readers of L3 for getting to know me through this interview!

Where can people link you or check out your music and videos online?

Everyone can link me through social media like Facebook or Twitter and they can find my music on any downloading sites such as iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon and Napster.

Connect with Peter on Twitter >>> @PeterRunks

BEAUTY HITS THE MICROPHONE WITH

DR DAWN RICHARD PORTIA CLARKE

I

t’s a pleasure today to speak to the sexy Singer - songwriter Miss Dawn Richard. Dawn, as fans will remember, came to fame being a part of the girl group Danity Kane, managed to and signed by P.Diddy.

Taking time out from making studio magic, Dawn speaks to us to fill us in on her new album and music life in general!

PC: First up, it seems like you have a good team surrounding you!

DR: I have an amazing team, they are the best! I’m lucky because my career wouldn’t be going as well as it is if I didn’t have them.

For the UK and Worldwide fans who are listeners to your music new and old, how was your transition from Platinum selling Girl Group to Diddy’s Dirty Money to now Dawn Richard the solo artist?

Well it’s different because I went from recording and performing with four girls to being with a mogul and another girl, which was a whole new dynamic and a transition and then being a solo artist has made it a transition after transition after transition. For some reason it’s been organic and it feels good.

It’s never been something that I was ever afraid to do, and it’s never been that I wasn’t up for the challenge; I’ve always been up for the challenge, but this experience has taught me a lot and I’ve loved every minute of it!

Earlier this year you released an EP called “Amor On.” What was Your mind set behind this EP? I really wanted it to be an interlude or a prelude to a chapter; like a preface to a book. I wanted it to be about the life and the journey that I’ve gone through and everyone knows what I’ve gone through, from Katrina, to losing everything to being in a group to moving on, so I wanted to make an album with the same ‘Joan of Ark’ vibe; a message of fighting for something.

I know we all go through things and I wanted people to feel connected to something they can relate to. Sometimes life is a battle especially when you’re fighting for something you’re passionate about and sometimes we’re hurting ourselves, not in a negative way, but in a positive way where we’re fighting for what we believe in whether it be a job, or love. Whatever it’s about, I wanted people to be aggressive and passionate about what they’re going through and I wanted to write a story that was not so much an album but a book.

I wanted to give them a visual, a sonic novel people can relate to and to prepare them for that something. That’s what Amor On is; it’s a call to arms.

What was your favourite song from that album and why?

Oh that’s a good question. It’s between “Scripture” and “Heaven” but the intro was really great as well so those three are tied for first because they move really well, and they represent an unorthodox way of taking R&B. It was different to present R&B in this way and it was tribal. I really felt we were starting a sound that could separate us from all the other R&B artists but fit with them well, yet have our signature. That record really gave us that sound.

You had an EP out for the Christmas holidays on iTunes called “Whiteout.” Why that name? What does this EP show of you as an artist and a woman?

Yes we wanted to do something for Christmas, so last year we released a record called December Sky and it did really, really well, but it was not your conventional Christmas record. It became an anthem.

Even though it was called December Sky, people were playing it in March! So we had a really good following with that. So this year we decided that instead of doing one song (and we pushed the Golden Heart album back because of the distribution deal), we decided to give the fans a little bit more.

The Heart movement is never something conventional. We don’t choose to be different, we just do what we do and that always lands us in the unconventional category. So this was no different. We definitely did a non-traditional take to a Christmas EP and the outcome is positive right across the board.

For example, we just came out, the EP hadn’t been out more than 8 hours and we were #6 on the iTunes chart. It was crazy. We didn’t promote the EP and we had a really bad release.

It didn’t come out when it was supposed to and we had a small crazy thing happen with iTunes so to see how positive it’s been and it was just a Christmas EP and to be on the charts with R&B releases from people who are on tour, once again not being signed to a label, and being independent; it’s just all organic and it seems to work and that’s what I’m excited about.

As for the title, Whiteout, it just felt right. This is the kind of EP where you can’t be far, it makes you see what’s inside of you. We’re writing our fate and all you can really see is what you have in front of you. I think that’s a great title and it’s been successful thus far!

You were able to get a distribution deal which can be tough with the way the industry is right now.

Yes. The distribution deal came about because we were looking for a label, and labels weren’t giving us what we wanted, and we wanted to be careful of not losing the sound that we worked so hard to have and we got a couple of deals, but, when the EP went #1 online, we had an overwhelming response.

Usually when an artist is coming out and they have an album, which gets the response, but for us to have an EP and get this, it was great. With the distribution deal, it worked out better because we have more of the sales revenue and don’t have to go through a middle person which is the label who would take more money, and change the direction of what we wanted to accomplish.

The other concern we had with a label was them telling us ‘ok we have to put you on hold because we have another artist on our roster who is more of a priority’ etc. In our case, because we are so different and not commercial and not a part of the ‘trend,’ we were worried that labels would put us on even more of a back burner.

Usually artists don’t get such an amazing offer but this indie label came to us with an amazing offer and made us first priority which is very important when you’re coming out, and the rest is history. Now, we have a lot of power and a lot of say with a small group of people in a small business. We are a family and everything as in every decision is based off the heart.

We have a great fan base and that’s something they respect. It’s not about numbers, it’s not about what looks cute, it’s about the fake stuff, it’s about what is all natural, and all us. I think they respect that. It’s new for R&B and I think it’s going to change R&B! Your album is called “Golden Heart.” Tell us how you came to decide on that title.

I grew up with movies like Lionheart, and movies like Legend with Tom Cruise, and these are wonderful stories. I wanted the album to have the same series and the same kind of vibe.

When I was thinking about titles, I knew I wanted to do a trilogy; I knew I wanted to do three albums that made up a series similar to a book because I’m also a huge fan of series and novels.

I love the idea of how writers connect the stories such as the Twilight series and the Harry Potter series; there’s something passionate about that and it causes a cult following such as what happened with Star Wars and sagas that keep continuing. It makes people fall in love with the story and I wanted the album to be similar.

When we decided to do the trilogy, and keep in mind I named my fan base ‘Hearts,’ it wasn’t about the colour of their skin, it was about something deeper. I wasn’t meaning to call them hearts, it was something organic. For me, if I was going to have a fan base, they weren’t going to be called ‘fans,’ they were going to be called ‘Hearts.’

So with that being said, I wanted the title to have that. When we were doing Armor on, and doing fighting etc, a lot of the brand had to do with armor and arming ourselves.

I feel like we’re knights fighting for something and battling so people believe in us.

Golden Hearts seemed so right as the title. Instead of your heart being so vulnerable to someone hurting it, I thought ‘what if we had armored hearts?’ What if we literally had golden armored hearts and we went through this battle together and we fought it? That’s where that title came from and from that, we have Golden Heart being the first album, and Black Heart being the second album and Redemption Heart being the third album. It’s like a transition in an actual battle. You’ll see us fight, you’ll see us lose men along the way and then you’ll see us prosper. And that’s the story that goes in the lyrics and sonically as well.

How do you feel about your own music?

I love what we’re doing and I’ve always felt that, if I were the kid I would want to listen to it. I always promised myself that when I do music, I have to be an artist that I would like, not an artist where I wouldn’t want to listen o my own music. I always wanted to be that kind of artist.

I’m really pushing myself to be great enough to love my own stuff and that’s something that that I’m committed to.

I love the story, I love the lyrics just as much as I love the dance and just as much as I love the visual. Why not put them all together and create a big story?! I want people to look at me as an artist and say ‘I get exactly what you’re doing. I never expect anything because what you do is always unexpected, yet, every time you do something, you please me!’ Fans don’t want it to be typically.

You just released the single “86!” What’s the single about?

86 is a slang term; it’s an old school term and it means to get rid of something, like ‘I’m 86’ing out of this.’ We took it and built on it from the classic times that it came from. When you hear a record from Phil Collins or the lyrics ‘time after time’ from Cyndi Lauper; those are classic records so I wanted to take that sound and put it with an R&B delivery.

I thought it would be super dope to do that, then flip it with a classic term such as 86 to give it that double meaning as in the 80’s sound with an 80’s term. As for the meaning, we’re 86’ing all our boundaries so we can love the way we’re supposed to love. So that’s why I say I can’t stop running from love, I have to give in to it and the only way I can do that is if I 86 all the bad things and all of the things that held me back o get there. So that’s the story! The record seems timeless!

Who produced the track?

Drewsky! Drewsky is my right hand man! I have 2 producers that I go to, who are my clutch; I don’t really use a lot of people and it’s not on purpose, it’s just there’s a great chemistry there and Drew Scott is my main man. He’s done everything from the beginning of this project and he’s come along the way with me. He’s a young up and coming producer and I’m fortunate to have met him and we’ve developed the sound together and he produced 86!

How do you think people will take to the single?

I think it will show me at my strongest; I think it will show me at my strongest moment and I think it’s going to pleasantly surprising to people because I think what we’ve become (I always say we because my team is just as important as I am), I think we will really be the artist to give the unexpected delivery. With this album Golden Heart, people will be surprised at how we’ve meshed the past songs from the beginning to now. We’ve created a sound for everyone to love and I think everyone is proud of this album!

Any features on the album?

People will have to wait and see, and I always do that because, what we’ve managed to do and I think this is what makes us great is that, and this is the question that everyone asks because it’s the one that makes everyone want to buy the album. The great thing about us is we’ve been selling EP’s and Mixtapes and albums with no features and going #1 from the beginning. We’ve made that not even a factor so I’ll be really excited when people don’t have to ask me anymore. I think we’re at a place where it doesn’t matter if we have them or not because we’ve done well without it. Hearts will have to see when they get it. There definitely will be some but I don’t know if that will be on the deluxe or the remixes on the album. We’ll have to wait and see on that but either way Hearts should get it because we’re known for giving an album without a feature and doing really well. That’s something I pride myself with because not a lot of artists are doing that, not even the big ones.

I really think that this is big for a female artist. A lot of us having been doing this, and we don’t need them, it’s just something that’s common. I don’t want to be that artist. I’m not hating on anyone because I think it’s brilliant what labels do with features and it gets your quota up, it boosts your numbers, it’s beautiful.

What’s dope and different about us is we’re getting our rise without it. We don’t have a co-sign. Whatever we’re going to do, no one can ay that anyone helped us get where we got when we get there. Literally, people will say ‘she literally did this by herself and that’s what I want to pride myself in. No R&B artist in a minute has gone at it on her own without help, without a feature on her album.

My choice is to walk this journey without the features. I want people to say ‘I’m messing with her because she’s great.’

Your video came out the same day as your album. Tell us about the video!

The video is extremely unexpected and it’s shot like a film and not a video. It’s 6-7 minutes long, and literally sees me take all my apparitions such as Danity Kane and hurricane Katrina which I use to fight for what I want so they’re the helpful things. Those experiences are being used as apparitions or guides to help me get where I want to get to. The video is amazing. There’s marshal arts and choreography and it was shot by Eugene Yang who also did my “Wild n’ Faith” video. The costumes are exactly what you would think; the premise is me in a natural state so it was shot in a natural forest in Los Angeles and it’s a story about my town being burned down and I’m chasing the people who did. The apparitions are helping me and pointing me to the right direction. It’s dope visual and I think people are going to be proud of me choosing this route!

If I came to Dawns house for dinner what would you cook?

Jumbalaya, stuffed melatone (stuffed pepper), sweet potato pie and sweet corn!

What fashion item could you not live without?

Alexander McQueen 1970 edition stilettos – they are so beautiful. I love him as a designer and I love what they’re doing now with the new collection. I love what they’re doing now too!

Where can people find you?

They can find me on Tumblr | Dawn Richard Blog | Twitter

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